Creamy Instant Pot Rotini Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Instant Pot Rotini Mac & Cheese. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sharp white cheddar and creamy Gruyère, along with creamy cream cheese, to create a velvety sauce that perfectly coats al dente rotini pasta. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to prepare, turning a classic dish into a hassle-free favorite. Ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, this mac & cheese is sure to impress with its delightful taste and sumptuous texture. Garnished with fresh chives and a hint of cayenne for a kick, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
3.25 cups (plus additional as necessary)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
sharp white cheddar cheese
0.5 lb (coarsely grated (about 2 1/2 cups))
Gruyère cheese
0.5 lb (coarsely grated (about 2 1/2 cups))
garlic
0.5 clove (grated)
cayenne pepper
0.5 teaspoon (plus additional to taste and for serving)
kosher salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
rotini pasta
1 lb
chives
for serving (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' setting. Pour in the 3 1/4 cups of milk, then add the cream cheese and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
2
Once simmering, add the grated sharp white cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, grated garlic, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Use a whisk to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
3
Incorporate the rotini pasta into the sauce, folding gently to ensure all the pasta is coated. After mixing, secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure to high, cooking for 6 minutes.
4
Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure manually and carefully open the lid. Taste the mac & cheese and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in an additional 1/4 cup of milk until you reach the desired creaminess.
5
Serve the mac & cheese immediately, garnished with thinly sliced chives and an extra sprinkle of cayenne for those who enjoy a bit more heat.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
31g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Instant Pot Rotini Mac & Cheese.
What type of pasta is required for this dish?
This recipe specifically uses 1 lb of rotini pasta.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3.25 cups of milk, plus more if needed to reach the desired consistency.
What kind of cheeses are used in this mac and cheese?
This recipe uses a combination of sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, and cream cheese.
How long should I cook the pasta in the Instant Pot?
Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
Should I use a manual or natural pressure release?
You should perform a manual pressure release once the cooking time is complete.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 8.75 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do if the mac and cheese is too thick?
You can stir in an additional 1/4 cup of milk until you reach your preferred creaminess.
What garnishes are recommended?
The dish is best served garnished with thinly sliced chives and an extra sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
How much cream cheese is used?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 0.5 clove of grated garlic.
What provides the heat in this recipe?
Cayenne pepper is used to give the dish a slight kick.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and melt the milk, cream cheese, and butter together.
When do I add the grated cheeses?
Add the cheddar and Gruyere once the milk and cream cheese mixture is simmering.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients listed for this recipe.
How much sharp white cheddar is needed?
You need 0.5 lb of coarsely grated sharp white cheddar, which is about 2.5 cups.
How much Gruyere cheese is required?
You need 0.5 lb of coarsely grated Gruyere cheese, which is about 2.5 cups.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests using kosher salt to taste.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and intended for easy weeknight dinners.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your personal preference.
What tool should I use to mix the cheese sauce?
A whisk is recommended to ensure the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
Do I need to boil the pasta separately?
No, the rotini pasta is cooked directly in the sauce inside the Instant Pot.
Is fiber or sugar information available?
No, the data for fiber and sugar is not specified for this recipe.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened before adding it to the pot.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include instant pot, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, and pasta.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, the description states it is ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.